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New Jersey’s 0 transit fare will have ‘chilling effect’ on fans, FIFA warns  New Jersey’s ​decision to charge 0 for a round-trip transit to World ⁠Cup games will have a “chilling effect” on fans, FIFA has warned as the fare represents a 10-fold increase from the usual  for the route.The ‌dramatic price hike adds to the cost of World Cup match tickets, which can run into the thousands ‌of dollars, especially on the resale market. The MetLife Stadium ‌is ⁠set to host eight matches, including the July 19 ⁠final.New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri had defended the pricing, citing higher passenger volumes due to closed public parking around the stadium and increased costs from ​World Cup security requirements.Heimo Schirgi, ‌the Chief Operating Officer for the 2026 World Cup, said the price increase would force fans to look at alternative options.“The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect. ‌Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options,” Schirgi ​said in a statement.ALSO READ | France to complete preparation against Northern Ireland on Jun“This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately ⁠diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup.“Furthermore, to arbitrarily set elevated prices ‌and demand FIFA absorb these costs is unprecedented. No other global event, concert or major sporting promoter has faced such a demand.”GOVERNOR SAYS ‘FIFA SHOULD PAY’New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill previously said NJ TRANSIT had been “stuck with a -million bill” to ensure fan safety while FIFA was making  billion.“I’m not going to stick New Jersey ‌commuters with that tab for years to come. FIFA should pay for the ​rides,” Sherrill said.FIFA refuted Sherrill’s claim, saying they were generating  billion in revenue, not profits.“FIFA has always been ⁠a not-for-profit organisation as per our statutes. Revenues from the FIFA World ⁠Cup are reinvested into developing the game of football, particularly for youth and women, worldwide,” Schirgi added.“Lastly, we applaud ‌our host city partners across the country who embraced this opportunity to showcase their region to visitors by providing low ​cost and often unchanged rates for mass transit.”Published on Apr 18, 2026  #Jerseys #transit #fare #chilling #effect #fans #FIFA #warns

New Jersey’s $150 transit fare will have ‘chilling effect’ on fans, FIFA warns

New Jersey’s ​decision to charge $150 for a round-trip transit to World ⁠Cup games will have a “chilling effect” on fans, FIFA has warned as the fare represents a 10-fold increase from the usual $15 for the route.

The ‌dramatic price hike adds to the cost of World Cup match tickets, which can run into the thousands ‌of dollars, especially on the resale market. The MetLife Stadium ‌is ⁠set to host eight matches, including the July 19 ⁠final.

New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri had defended the pricing, citing higher passenger volumes due to closed public parking around the stadium and increased costs from ​World Cup security requirements.

Heimo Schirgi, ‌the Chief Operating Officer for the 2026 World Cup, said the price increase would force fans to look at alternative options.

“The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect. ‌Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options,” Schirgi ​said in a statement.

ALSO READ | France to complete preparation against Northern Ireland on Jun

“This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately ⁠diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup.

“Furthermore, to arbitrarily set elevated prices ‌and demand FIFA absorb these costs is unprecedented. No other global event, concert or major sporting promoter has faced such a demand.”

GOVERNOR SAYS ‘FIFA SHOULD PAY’

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill previously said NJ TRANSIT had been “stuck with a $48-million bill” to ensure fan safety while FIFA was making $11 billion.

“I’m not going to stick New Jersey ‌commuters with that tab for years to come. FIFA should pay for the ​rides,” Sherrill said.

FIFA refuted Sherrill’s claim, saying they were generating $11 billion in revenue, not profits.

“FIFA has always been ⁠a not-for-profit organisation as per our statutes. Revenues from the FIFA World ⁠Cup are reinvested into developing the game of football, particularly for youth and women, worldwide,” Schirgi added.

“Lastly, we applaud ‌our host city partners across the country who embraced this opportunity to showcase their region to visitors by providing low ​cost and often unchanged rates for mass transit.”

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Jerseys #transit #fare #chilling #effect #fans #FIFA #warns

New Jersey’s ​decision to charge $150 for a round-trip transit to World ⁠Cup games will have a “chilling effect” on fans, FIFA has warned as the fare represents a 10-fold increase from the usual $15 for the route.

The ‌dramatic price hike adds to the cost of World Cup match tickets, which can run into the thousands ‌of dollars, especially on the resale market. The MetLife Stadium ‌is ⁠set to host eight matches, including the July 19 ⁠final.

New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri had defended the pricing, citing higher passenger volumes due to closed public parking around the stadium and increased costs from ​World Cup security requirements.

Heimo Schirgi, ‌the Chief Operating Officer for the 2026 World Cup, said the price increase would force fans to look at alternative options.

“The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect. ‌Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options,” Schirgi ​said in a statement.

ALSO READ | France to complete preparation against Northern Ireland on Jun

“This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately ⁠diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup.

“Furthermore, to arbitrarily set elevated prices ‌and demand FIFA absorb these costs is unprecedented. No other global event, concert or major sporting promoter has faced such a demand.”

GOVERNOR SAYS ‘FIFA SHOULD PAY’

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill previously said NJ TRANSIT had been “stuck with a $48-million bill” to ensure fan safety while FIFA was making $11 billion.

“I’m not going to stick New Jersey ‌commuters with that tab for years to come. FIFA should pay for the ​rides,” Sherrill said.

FIFA refuted Sherrill’s claim, saying they were generating $11 billion in revenue, not profits.

“FIFA has always been ⁠a not-for-profit organisation as per our statutes. Revenues from the FIFA World ⁠Cup are reinvested into developing the game of football, particularly for youth and women, worldwide,” Schirgi added.

“Lastly, we applaud ‌our host city partners across the country who embraced this opportunity to showcase their region to visitors by providing low ​cost and often unchanged rates for mass transit.”

Published on Apr 18, 2026

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#Jerseys #transit #fare #chilling #effect #fans #FIFA #warns

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प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी के राष्ट्र को संबोधन से जुड़ीं 20 खास बातें…<p> <p style="float: left;width:100%;text-align:center"> <p style="position:relative;color: #fff"> <img align="center" alt="20 Key Highlights from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Address to Nation" class="imgCont" src="https://nonprod-media.webdunia.com/public_html/_media/hi/img/article/2026-04/18/full/1776536090-7302.jpg" style="margin-right: 0px;z-index: 0;width: 1200px;height: 675px" title="" /></p> </p> <strong>Prime Minister Narendra Modi :</strong> प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने शनिवार को राष्ट्र को संबोधित करते हुए महिला आरक्षण बिल को लेकर विपक्ष को जमकर घेरा। महिला आरक्षण बिल को लेकर प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने आज राष्ट्र को संबोधित करते हुए कहा, मैं अपने लोगों के बीच अपना दुख व्यक्त करना चाहता हूं। प्रधानमंत्री मोदी ने कहा, मैं तो बस आम परिवारों की बहनों को संसद और विधानसभाओं में लाना चाहता था, लेकिन यह नेक प्रयास विफल हो गया। 21वीं सदी की नारी देश की हर राजनीतिक घटना पर पैनी नजर रख रही है। महिला आरक्षण का विरोध करके विपक्ष ने जो पाप किया है, उसकी सजा उन्हें जनता जरूर देगी। <strong>पढ़िए, प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी के राष्ट्र को संबोधन से जुड़ीं 20 खास बातें… </strong></p> <p>  </p> <ul> <li> प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने कहा, भारत का हर नागरिक आज देख रहा है कि कैसे नारी शक्ति की उड़ान को रोकने की साजिश रची गई है।</li> <li> प्रधानमंत्री मोदी ने कहा, हमारे भरसक प्रयासों के बाद भी नारी शक्ति वंदन अधिनियम में संशोधन नहीं हो पाया। मैं इसके लिए देश की सभी माताओं और बहनों से हृदय से क्षमाप्रार्थी हूं।</li> <li> मोदी ने कहा, कुछ दलों ने देशहित से ऊपर अपना स्वार्थ रखा। नारी शक्ति ने विपक्ष का रवैया देखा है। उन्होंने दुख जताया कि बिल गिरने पर विपक्ष मेज थपथपा रहा था।</li> <li> प्रधानमंत्री मोदी ने कहा, यह बिल किसी से कुछ लेने का नहीं, बल्कि सभी को अधिकार देने का था और 40 साल से लंबित महिलाओं के हक को लागू करना था। उन्होंने इसे महिलाओं के हितों के खिलाफ कदम बताया और कहा कि देश इसे याद रखेगा।</li> <li> प्रधानमंत्री मोदी ने कहा कि विपक्ष बिल गिरने पर ताली बजाकर जश्न मना रहा था, जो नारी आत्मसम्मान पर चोट है। उन्होंने इसे ईमानदार प्रयास की भ्रूण हत्या बताया और कहा कि विपक्ष को अपने इस कदम की सजा जरूर मिलेगी।</li> <li> मोदी ने कहा, नारी सब भूल जाती है, लेकिन अपना अपमान कभी नहीं भूलती। देश की नारी जब भी अपने क्षेत्र में इन नेताओं को देखेगी तब वो याद करेगी कि इन्हीं लोगों ने संसद में महिला आरक्षण को रोकने का जश्न मनाया था।</li> <li> प्रधानमंत्री ने कहा, नारी शक्ति वंदन संशोधन समय की मांग है। नारी शक्ति वंदन संशोधन सभी राज्यों की शक्ति में समान वृद्धि का प्रयास था। ये संसद में सभी राज्यों की आवाज को अधिक शक्ति देने का प्रयास था।</li> <li> मोदी ने कहा, यह सब राज्यों की समान अनुपात में शक्ति बढ़ाने की कोशिश थी, लेकिन इस प्रयास की कांग्रेस और उसके सहयोगियों ने सदन में पूरे देश के सामने भ्रूण हत्या कर दी है। </li> <li> प्रधानमंत्री ने कहा, कांग्रेस अपना वजूद खो चुकी है। कांग्रेस ने देश को गुमराह किया। कांग्रेस का मुखौटा उतर गया है।</li> <li> मोदी ने कहा, कांग्रेस महिला आरक्षण के विषय से नफरत करती है। हमने साफ नीयत से पवित्र प्रयास किया।</li> <li> प्रधानमंत्री ने कहा, यह महिलाओं को 2029 से उनका हक देने का बिल था।</li> <li> मोदी ने कहा, नारी शक्ति बिल पास न होने पर हमें दुख है। नारी शक्ति वंदन संशोधन के खिलाफ है विपक्ष।</li> <li> प्रधानमंत्री ने कहा, विपक्षी दल खुशी से तालियां बजा रहे थे। कुछ लोगों के लिए देशहित से बढ़कर दलहित है। हमारे लिए देशहित सर्वोपरि है।</li> <li> मोदी ने कहा, मुझे आशा थी कि शायद कांग्रेस अपनी दशकों पुरानी गलती सुधारेगी, लेकिन उसने इतिहास रचने का सुनहरा अवसर खो दिया।</li> <li> प्रधानमंत्री ने कहा, कांग्रेस खुद देश के अधिकांश हिस्सों में अपना वजूद खो चुकी है और परजीवी की तरह क्षेत्रीय दलों के सहारे जिंदा है।</li> <li> मोदी ने कहा, इन परिवारवादी पार्टियों को डर है कि अगर महिलाएं सशक्त हो गईं तो उनका राजनीतिक नेतृत्व खतरे में पड़ जाएगा वे कभी नहीं चाहते कि उनके परिवार की महिलाओं के अलावा कोई और आगे बढ़े।</li> <li> प्रधानमंत्री ने कहा, कांग्रेस ने जनधन योजना, आधार, मोबाइल क्रांति और डिजिटल पेमेंट तक का विरोध किया था।</li> <li> प्रधानमंत्री मोदी ने कहा कि कांग्रेस ने ही ट्रिपल तलाक कानून, सामान्य वर्ग के गरीबों को आरक्षण और यूसीसी का विरोध किया है।</li> <li> मोदी ने कहा, कांग्रेस की नीति हमेशा से 'लटकाना, अटकाना और भटकाना' रही है। इसी वर्क कल्चर की वजह से भारत उस ऊंचाई पर नहीं पहुंच पाया, जिसका वह हकदार था।</li> <li> प्रधानमंत्री ने कहा, कांग्रेस आज भी अंग्रेजों की 'बांटो और राज करो' की नीति पर चल रही है। उन्होंने देश में हमेशा दरार पैदा करने वाली भावनाओं को हवा दी है।</li> </ul> <p> Edited By : Chetan Gour </p>

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Deadspin | Against Red Sox, Tarik Skubal strives to squash Tigers’ road losing streak <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28715148.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28715148.jpg" alt="MLB: Miami Marlins at Detroit Tigers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 12, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>With two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal taking the mound, a pitchers’ duel could be on tap as the visiting Detroit Tigers look to even their four-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Skubal (2-2, 2.22 ERA), a left-hander, will try to play the role of stopper as Detroit’s road skid reached nine games with a 1-0, 10-inning setback in Friday’s series opener. Before Friday though, the Tigers had been on a six-game winning streak, with home sweeps of the Miami Marlins and Kansas City Royals.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Masataka Yoshida’s pinch-hit single scored Jarren Duran with the only run in a game Friday that featured just four hits for each team. For Detroit, Jahmai Jones had two.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Skubal will make his first start at Fenway Park since 2023. Last Sunday, in an 8-2 win over the Marlins, he threw 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts but thought he could do better. He took a no-hitter into the sixth inning.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>“My stuff wasn’t good,” Skubal said. “But those things happen in baseball. It’s not always when you have your best stuff. If that was the case, it would be easy to predict our game. It’s just not like that.”</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Skubal carries a 2-2 record and 4.91 ERA against Boston into Saturday’s game, his sixth start vs. the Red Sox. Most recently, he allowed five runs on seven hits while striking out 11 in a May 14, 2025, no-decision in a game the Tigers won 6-5.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Before Friday’s first pitch, Detroit placed infielder Zach McKinstry on the 10-day injured list with left hip/abdominal inflammation and recalled No. 6 prospect Hao-Yu Lee from Triple-A Toledo for his MLB debut. He went 0-for-3.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>“We’re excited for Lee to get his feet wet in the big leagues,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We’ve had him in camp the last couple of seasons. … He can play good defense. He’s a good baseball player.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>Beyond Jones, Kevin McGonigle had another hit, giving him 22 and a .306 average to lead all AL rookies.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>An eight-inning start from Ranger Suarez helped set the stage for Boston’s second consecutive win on Friday, but it took an extra frame and Yoshida’s first career walk-off knock to get the job done. </p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Yoshida has just 29 at-bats this season, though he is on a six-game hitting streak.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>“In these situations, I know how he feels; you want to play,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “We got him for a reason here (from Japan), and he’s been banged up, and now all of a sudden, this is how we’re going to play the game … with this roster and we’re going to maximize it, but it’s not easy.”</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>The Friday shutout win was Boston’s third of the season and second in as many home games.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Brayan Bello (1-1, 6.14 ERA) will look to throw his own gem on Saturday. The right-hander gave up a total of 10 runs (eight earned) in his first two starts before earning his first win with 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball last Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 9-3 game.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>“When I’m staying in the zone, this is the result that you get,” Bello said after the game. “When I’m executing all of my pitches, being aggressive in the zone, this is what happens.”</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Bello is 0-1 with a 5.74 ERA in three career starts against Detroit. He took a no-decision in a 10-9 Tigers win on May 13, 2025, after allowing three runs (two earned) in 4 2/3 innings. </p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Red #Sox #Tarik #Skubal #strives #squash #Tigers #road #losing #streak

Alex Sarama was relatively unknown when the Portland Fire announced he’d be their first-ever head coach. But, on Wednesday, when the WNBA announced that Sarama was named Coach of the Month, it came as no surprise. Sarama led the Fire to a 6-4 record in May and several improbable victories, while making a name for himself in broad basketball circles.

At just 30 years old, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers and became the director of player development.

He joined NBA Europe in 2020, became a Paris Basketball player improvement specialist in 2022, and was the director of methodology for the British Basketball League’s London Lions in 2023. In the 2023-2024 season, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Rip City Remix, the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate. Then, in 2024, he became an assistant for the Cavaliers.

Sarama is unique in that he is an advocate of the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) to skill acquisition and practice design, a methodology that emphasises decision-making, adaptability, and game-representative learning environments rather than isolated and repetitive drills.

Sarama has cancelled morning shootarounds, had Fire players practice with just socks, and simulated specific drills with different constraints to emulate late-game scenarios.

The Fire are 6-5 and owners of the league’s 8th-best record, despite being one of two WNBA expansion teams. In May, they went 6-4, accruing two wins over the New York Liberty and a win over the Indiana Fever, among other star-studded squads.

On the court, Portland has been led by Carla Leite, who is averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, both team-highs.

Bridget Carleton, selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA’s expansion draft, is averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, while Emily Englster has been the top shot blocker in the league, averaging 2.3 blocks per game. Engstler is also averaging 9.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 assists per game. And, Sarah Ashlee Barker has been huge off the bench, averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

In a video shared by the Fire, Sarama credited the players and his staff for his first-ever Coach of the Month honor.

“This isn’t possible without incredible players. This is really because of you guys, number one,” he said. “Everything we’ve asked you to do, you guys have done times a thousand. I couldn’t be more proud to coach you guys. This is going to be such a fun ride.”

“Secondly, it’s staff of the month. Not coach of the month. That’s everyone. Front office, performance, the incredible coaching staff we have. It’s every single one of us here.”

#WNBA #named #Coach #Month #welldeserved">The WNBA just named a Coach of the Month, and it’s well-deserved  Alex Sarama was relatively unknown when the Portland Fire announced he’d be their first-ever head coach. But, on Wednesday, when the WNBA announced that Sarama was named Coach of the Month, it came as no surprise. Sarama led the Fire to a 6-4 record in May and several improbable victories, while making a name for himself in broad basketball circles.At just 30 years old, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers and became the director of player development.He joined NBA Europe in 2020, became a Paris Basketball player improvement specialist in 2022, and was the director of methodology for the British Basketball League’s London Lions in 2023. In the 2023-2024 season, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Rip City Remix, the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate. Then, in 2024, he became an assistant for the Cavaliers.Sarama is unique in that he is an advocate of the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) to skill acquisition and practice design, a methodology that emphasises decision-making, adaptability, and game-representative learning environments rather than isolated and repetitive drills.Sarama has cancelled morning shootarounds, had Fire players practice with just socks, and simulated specific drills with different constraints to emulate late-game scenarios.The Fire are 6-5 and owners of the league’s 8th-best record, despite being one of two WNBA expansion teams. In May, they went 6-4, accruing two wins over the New York Liberty and a win over the Indiana Fever, among other star-studded squads.On the court, Portland has been led by Carla Leite, who is averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, both team-highs.Bridget Carleton, selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA’s expansion draft, is averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, while Emily Englster has been the top shot blocker in the league, averaging 2.3 blocks per game. Engstler is also averaging 9.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 assists per game. And, Sarah Ashlee Barker has been huge off the bench, averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.In a video shared by the Fire, Sarama credited the players and his staff for his first-ever Coach of the Month honor.“This isn’t possible without incredible players. This is really because of you guys, number one,” he said. “Everything we’ve asked you to do, you guys have done times a thousand. I couldn’t be more proud to coach you guys. This is going to be such a fun ride.”“Secondly, it’s staff of the month. Not coach of the month. That’s everyone. Front office, performance, the incredible coaching staff we have. It’s every single one of us here.”  #WNBA #named #Coach #Month #welldeserved

Five-time champion India booked its place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a resolute Bhutan in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

India, which found the winner through Sanfida Nongrum in the 60th minute, will meet defending champion Bangladesh in the title clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.

Having scored 14 goals in two group-stage matches, the host was expected to dominate, but Bhutan once again showed the defensive discipline that had taken it to a third successive semifinal appearance.

Ranked 69th in the FIFA rankings, India controlled possession for long periods but found it difficult to break down Bhutan’s compact backline in a goalless first half.

The Blue Tigresses created chances through Karishma, Soumya Guguloth and Aveka Singh, but poor finishing and alert goalkeeping kept the scores level at the break.

Bhutan, meanwhile, remained a threat on the counterattack and squandered a couple of promising opportunities of its own.

India finally found the breakthrough when Sanfida scored after sustained pressure, giving the host the lead it had been searching for throughout the contest.

Coach Crispin Chhetri then introduced experienced attackers, including Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa, as India looked to put the game beyond Bhutan. However, Bhutan refused to back down and continued to test the Indian defence on the break.

The host created several openings in the closing stages but was unable to add to its tally.

ALSO READ: India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and facts

Bhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.

The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.

Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title">SAFF Women’s Championship 2026: India scrapes past Bhutan 1-0, to face Bangladesh for title  Five-time champion India booked its place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a resolute Bhutan in the second semifinal on Wednesday.India, which found the winner through Sanfida Nongrum in the 60th minute, will meet defending champion Bangladesh in the title clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.Having scored 14 goals in two group-stage matches, the host was expected to dominate, but Bhutan once again showed the defensive discipline that had taken it to a third successive semifinal appearance.Ranked 69th in the FIFA rankings, India controlled possession for long periods but found it difficult to break down Bhutan’s compact backline in a goalless first half.The Blue Tigresses created chances through Karishma, Soumya Guguloth and Aveka Singh, but poor finishing and alert goalkeeping kept the scores level at the break.Bhutan, meanwhile, remained a threat on the counterattack and squandered a couple of promising opportunities of its own.India finally found the breakthrough when Sanfida scored after sustained pressure, giving the host the lead it had been searching for throughout the contest.Coach Crispin Chhetri then introduced experienced attackers, including Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa, as India looked to put the game beyond Bhutan. However, Bhutan refused to back down and continued to test the Indian defence on the break.The host created several openings in the closing stages but was unable to add to its tally.ALSO READ: India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and factsBhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.Published on Jun 03, 2026  #SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title

India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and facts

Bhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.

The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.

Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title">SAFF Women’s Championship 2026: India scrapes past Bhutan 1-0, to face Bangladesh for title

Five-time champion India booked its place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a resolute Bhutan in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

India, which found the winner through Sanfida Nongrum in the 60th minute, will meet defending champion Bangladesh in the title clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.

Having scored 14 goals in two group-stage matches, the host was expected to dominate, but Bhutan once again showed the defensive discipline that had taken it to a third successive semifinal appearance.

Ranked 69th in the FIFA rankings, India controlled possession for long periods but found it difficult to break down Bhutan’s compact backline in a goalless first half.

The Blue Tigresses created chances through Karishma, Soumya Guguloth and Aveka Singh, but poor finishing and alert goalkeeping kept the scores level at the break.

Bhutan, meanwhile, remained a threat on the counterattack and squandered a couple of promising opportunities of its own.

India finally found the breakthrough when Sanfida scored after sustained pressure, giving the host the lead it had been searching for throughout the contest.

Coach Crispin Chhetri then introduced experienced attackers, including Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa, as India looked to put the game beyond Bhutan. However, Bhutan refused to back down and continued to test the Indian defence on the break.

The host created several openings in the closing stages but was unable to add to its tally.

ALSO READ: India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and facts

Bhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.

The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.

Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title

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